Additional Coaches on Hyderabad Trains Starting January
In a strategic move to address the growing number of waitlisted passengers, the South Central Railway (SCR) has decided to temporarily augment certain trains with additional coaches, ensuring smoother travel and reducing passenger discomfort. As the demand for train services increases, especially during peak travel seasons, such initiatives are aimed at enhancing the comfort and convenience of commuters. These temporary modifications will be in effect from early January, with specific trains experiencing upgrades to their coach configurations.
Train services, particularly the popular Hyderabad-Mumbai and Hyderabad-Jaipur routes, are among the first to see these changes. Starting January 2, trains 22731/22732 (Hyderabad-Mumbai CSMT-Hyderabad) and 12702/12701 (Hyderabad-Mumbai CSMT-Hyderabad) will see the replacement of two general second-class coaches with two sleeper coaches. This adjustment is aimed at providing more seating options for passengers, thereby helping to ease the long waitlists that often plague these high-demand services. Similarly, the Hyderabad-Jaipur train (12720/12719) will undergo a similar change starting January 3, with the replacement of two general second-class coaches with 2nd and 3rd AC coaches, catering to passengers seeking higher comfort levels.
The decision to augment trains with additional coaches is a direct response to the increasing number of passengers facing waitlist challenges, especially during holidays, festivals, and weekends when passenger traffic is at its peak. According to railway officials, this step will significantly improve the travel experience for passengers, allowing them to travel with greater ease and comfort. Moreover, the additional sleeper and AC coaches will cater to different categories of passengers, accommodating both budget-conscious travelers and those looking for a more luxurious ride.
In terms of sustainability, the railway’s approach is a step towards reducing the strain on existing resources while providing better service. By making these temporary adjustments, the SCR is not only responding to immediate passenger needs but also alleviating the environmental impact associated with overcrowded trains. With fewer waitlisted passengers and more people being accommodated, this measure helps in reducing the need for additional trains, which would have otherwise contributed to increased fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Thus, these changes are in line with the broader goal of making the railway services more efficient, environmentally friendly, and passenger-centric.
This initiative also highlights the growing demand for more flexible and responsive transportation systems in India’s urban centres. With cities like Hyderabad experiencing rapid growth, the need for effective urban mobility solutions is more pressing than ever. By proactively addressing passenger concerns, such as waitlist issues, and improving the overall quality of service, Indian Railways is aligning itself with global standards of customer satisfaction. These changes will not only improve the immediate travel experience but will also enhance the long-term efficiency of the railway system, fostering greater public trust and reliance on train services for both short and long-distance travel.